Kingston's child care providers usually operate at full capacity and with waiting lists. Spaces for infants are especially hard to find, consider inspected private home child care providers as an option. Part-time child care is generally easier to find than full-time. If you can be flexible, indicate on your application that you would accept a part-time space. If your child is attending part-time, he/she will have priority when a full-time space becomes available.
Register on the Kingston Centralized Childcare Registry and Information Service as soon as you know that you will be coming to Queen's. You may also try contacting several child care centres to place your child on the waiting lists. This will give you a better chance of securing a space when you need it. Spaces for infants up to 18 months are the most in demand.
The City of Kingston provides a Centralized Childcare Registry and Information Service. The site offers:
- help to find the different types of child care available in Kingston (day care centre and inspected private home settings, after school care)
- an interactive map - click on locations of child care centres and you will get their contact info, and description
- advice on how to select the type of care that best suits your child
- How to apply for child care subsidy and eligibility
Queen's Childcare Support
Queen's offers a childcare support program for all eligible employees.
Childcare Support PlanQueen's Day Care
Queen's operates a daycare facility to provide high-quality childcare that is responsive to the needs of families in the Queen's community, serving both students and employees. There are two locations available (Main and West campus) with full and part time daycare spaces for up to 81 children daily ranging in age from birth to 4 years.
All applicants must register with the Kingston Centralized Waitlist (see information above). The daycare operates at full capacity and waitlists are lengthy so it is recommended that you add your name to the waiting list as soon as possible.
To ensure that you receive the benefit of the Queen's University priority please identify Queen's as your employer or your educational institution and include Queen's telephone number or email address to your waitlist application.
Spaces are reserved in priority for Queen's University members (students, staff, and faculty), however it is strongly recommended that you APPLY EARLY as waiting lists are lengthy, particularly for infant spaces.
Queen's Day CareFrench-language child care centres
French language child care centres in Kingston:
Special needs
Child care as well as support services for children with special needs are available in the Kingston area. For further details please contact our team at vpcei@queensu.ca and we will assist you with your specific questions.
Playgroups, children's services, and programs
The EarlyON Program with the City of Kingston offers workshops for parents, information on playgroups, services, and parenting information.